They Made Me A Criminal

Starring: Claude Rains; John Garfield; Ann Sheridan & The Dead End Kids Director: Busby Berkeley

A prize fighter, accused of murder, befriends young delinquents while hiding out on a work farm.

DVD Features:

• Region 0; Can be played worldwide
• Keep Case
• Full Frame - 1.33

Description by OLDIES.com:

John Garfield is hard drinking boxer Johnnie Bradfield, who through a twist of fate, becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. Rather than take the fall for a crime he did not commit, Johnnie goes on the run, hiding out on a farm where a group of juvenile delinquents (The Dead End Kids) have been sent to work. Taking it upon himself to help set this group straight, the clock ticks as tireless detective (Claude Rains) closes in and the fate of the boxer and the future of the kids hang in the balance. Combining well choreographed fight and action scenes with the suspense and drama delivered by Garfield, Sheridan and Rains, director Busby Berkeley creates an exciting and sympathetic story of a life and redemption.

Product Description:

Busby Berkeley, known mainly as a dance director, took a big chance with this tough little drama; his second feature after signing to MGM. The story, basically a remake of 1933's THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JIMMY DOLAN, chronicles the flight of a hard-drinking boxer (John Garfield) suspected of murder. While hiding out on an Arizona farm, he befriends the juvenile delinquents working there, and finds meaning to his life. Unfortunately, a persistent detective (Claude Rains) is on his trail, and closing in fast.

Berkeley put his innovative choreography skills to good use in the fight and action scenes, and with the help of solid performances from his actors (especially the Dead End Kids, surprisingly affecting in non-comedy roles) established himself as a director capable of more than just musicals.

Plot Synopsis:

Prizefighter Johnnie Bradfield (John Garfield) is a man on the run from a murder rap, and a misspent life. After taking refuge on the farm of a kindly old woman, he gets a second chance at goodness when he helps some juvenile delinquents working there (the Dead End Kids). It turns out Johnnie's a great influence on these troubled boys, but unfortunately a persistent detective (Claude Rains) starts closing in just as the happy ending seems in sight. This decided change of pace for dance director Busby Berkeley packs a mean punch, and a lot of heart.

Plot Keywords:

1930s | Boxers | Criminals | Love | On-The-Run | Vintage

Production Notes:

• Theatrical release: January 20, 1939.
• Partially filmed in Palm Desert, California.
• THEY MADE ME A CRIMINAL is a remake of the 1933 film THE LIFE OF JIMMY DOLAN.

Cast and Crew: